Eye-hand coordination training apparatus

ABSTRACT

An eye-hand coordination training apparatus which includes a bat having a handgrip portion and a ball striking portion. The ball striking portion has at least two discrete ball striking surfaces. Each of the discrete ball striking surfaces differs in degree of difficulty from the other discrete ball striking surfaces due to physical differences.

FIELD

There is described an apparatus for use in training to improve eye-hand coordination.

BACKGROUND

It is recognized that one attribute of an athlete is superior eye-hand coordination. U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,810 (Cazlet) discloses an eye-hand coordination training apparatus that uses a paddle. U.S. Pat. No. 7,927,224 (Ferguson et al) and U.S. Patent Application 20060258474 (Gruenke) both disclose eye-hand coordination training apparatus particular to golf.

SUMMARY

There is provided an eye-hand coordination training apparatus which includes a bat having a handgrip portion and a ball striking portion. The ball striking portion of the eye-hand coordination training apparatus developed for use by adults has at least three discrete ball striking surfaces. The ball striking portion of the eye-hand coordination training apparatus developed for use by young children has only two discrete ball striking surfaces. Each of the discrete ball striking surfaces differs in degree of difficulty from the other discrete ball striking surfaces due to physical differences.

There will hereinafter be illustrated and described with respect to several embodiments ways in which the discrete ball striking surfaces may be created, along with physical differences between the discrete ball striking surfaces to vary the degree of difficulty.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to be in any way limiting, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an end elevation view of the first embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, in a first rotational orientation in which a first discrete ball striking surface is utilized.

FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of the first embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, in a second rotational orientation in which a second discrete ball striking surface is utilized.

FIG. 4 is an end elevation view of the first embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, in a third rotational orientation in which a third discrete ball striking surface is utilized.

FIG. 5 is an end elevation view of the first embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, in a fourth rotational orientation in which a fourth discrete ball striking surface is utilized.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus.

FIG. 7 is an end elevation view of the second embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 6, in a first rotational orientation in which a first discrete ball striking surface is utilized.

FIG. 8 is an end elevation view of the second embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 6, in a second rotational orientation in which a second discrete ball striking surface is utilized.

FIG. 9 is an end elevation view of the second embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 6, in a third rotational orientation in which a third discrete ball striking surface is utilized.

FIG. 10 is an end elevation view of the second embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 6, in a fourth rotational orientation in which a fourth discrete ball striking surface is utilized.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the third embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the third embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus.

FIG. 15 is an end elevation view of the fourth embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 14, in a first rotational orientation in which a first discrete ball striking surface is utilized.

FIG. 16 is an end elevation view of the fourth embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 14, in a second rotational orientation in which a second discrete ball striking surface is utilized.

FIG. 17 is an end elevation view of the fourth embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 14, in a third rotational orientation in which a third discrete ball striking surface is utilized.

FIG. 18 is an end elevation view of the fourth embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 14, in a fourth rotational orientation in which a fourth discrete ball striking surface is utilized.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus which was developed expressly for use by young children.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 with a digital counter.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus with a telescopic alternative striking surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus generally identified by reference numeral 100, will be described with reference to FIG. 1 through 5. A second embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus generally identified by reference numeral 200, will be described with reference to FIG. 6 through 10. A third embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus generally identified by reference numeral 300, will be described with reference to FIG. 11 through 13. A fourth embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus generally identified by reference numeral 400, will be described with reference to FIG. 14 through 18. A fifth embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus generally identified by reference numeral 600, will be described with reference to FIG. 19. A modified form of first embodiment 100 with a digital counter, will be described with reference to FIG. 20. A sixth embodiment of eye-hand coordination training apparatus, generally identified by reference numeral 700, will be described with reference to FIG. 21.

All of the embodiments that will hereinafter be described have a body in the form of a bat 20 having a handgrip portion 22 and a ball striking portion 24. Ball striking portion 24 of each embodiment have at least three discrete ball striking surfaces 26. Each of discrete ball striking surfaces 26 differ in degree of difficulty from the other discrete ball striking surfaces 26 due to physical differences.

The use of each embodiment is to bounce a ball as many times as one is able without letting the ball fall to the ground. This assists the user to improve their eye-hand coordination, reflexes, and reaction time. It can also be used to promote ambidexterity when used in both the left hand and the right hand. It will be appreciated that it will be more difficult with the non-dominant hand. Each embodiment has a plurality of different ball striking surfaces which have differing degrees of difficulty. The exercise can be made even more difficult by requiring the user to hit the ball in the air and then perform a 360 degree rotation. The momentary loss of sight of the ball requires the user to determine the present position of the ball has and react quickly. It also requires the user to anticipate the flight path of the ball. This recreates scenarios that football players and baseball players encounter when they momentarily lose sight of the ball due to the sun, a waving limb of an opponent or when turning to position themselves to make an over the shoulder catch. It will be apparent that each embodiment can be used without a training partner. Each embodiment can be used indoors, if appropriate care is taken.

First Embodiment Structure:

Referring to FIG. 1, with first embodiment 100, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 has at least three sides. Four have been chosen for illustration a first side 30, a second side 32, a third side 34 and a fourth side 36. Referring to FIG. 2 through FIG. 5, each of discrete ball striking surfaces 26 are positioned on a different one of the sides. A first discrete ball striking surface 26A is positioned on first side 30. A second discrete ball striking surface 26B is positioned on second side 32. A third discrete ball striking surface 26C is positioned on third side 34. A fourth discrete ball striking surface 26D is positioned on fourth side 36. In first embodiment 100, all of discrete ball striking surfaces 26 are flat strips. The physical difference between the flat strips which changes their degree of difficulty is the width of each of the flat strips. The width of discrete ball striking surfaces 26 become progressively smaller as one progresses from the widest 26A to 26B to 26C and then to the namrrowest 261). As the width is reduced, the degree of difficult increases. Referring to FIG. 20, a digital counter 37 can be incorporated into bat 20 of first embodiment 100. Digital counter 37 is shown incorporated into a remote end 39 of bat 20. Digital counter 37 has incorporated into its body a vibration sensor. When vibration sensor senses a striking impact, the number shown on readout 41 for digital counter 37 advances. For example, the number shown on readout 41 is the number 45, this indicates 45 strikes. It will be appreciated that there are various technologies that can be used to cause readout 41 on digital counter 37 to advance.

First Embodiment Operation:

Referring to FIG. 2 through 5, there is illustrated a ball 500 and an arrow 502. Arrow 502 indicates the desired plane of movement of ball 500. Referring to FIG. 2, a user commences use of bat 20 with ball striking portion 24 in a first rotational position which uses first discrete ball striking surface 26A on first side 30. The user demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times ball 500 can be bounced on first discrete ball striking surface 26A using a subtle wrist or arm movement. Referring to FIG. 3, when the user wishes to move to the next level of difficulty, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 is rotated to a second rotational position which uses second discrete ball striking surface 26B on second side 32. The user again demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times ball 500 can be bounced on second discrete ball striking surface 26B using a subtle wrist or arm movement. Referring to FIG. 4, when the user wishes to move to the next level of difficulty, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 is rotated to a third rotational position which uses third discrete ball striking surface 26C on third side 34. The user again demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times ball 500 can be bounced on third discrete ball striking surface 26C using a subtle wrist or arm movement. Referring to FIG. 5, when the user wishes to move to the next level of difficulty, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 is rotated to a fourth rotational position which uses fourth discrete ball striking surface 26D is positioned on fourth side 36. The user again demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times ball 500 can be bounced on fourth discrete ball striking surface 26D using a subtle wrist or arm movement. Referring to FIG. 20, digital counter 37 can be used to keep track of the number of times ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 has been struck. The number displayed on readout 41 provides verification.

Second Embodiment Structure:

Referring to FIG. 6, with second embodiment 200, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 is round. Referring to FIG. 7 through FIG. 10, each of discrete ball striking surfaces 26 are positioned in opposed relation around the circumference of ball striking portion 24. For purposes of relative orientation those positions can be considered to be 1 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees and 270 degrees. The first discrete ball striking surface 26A is positioned at the 1 degree position. The second discrete ball striking surface 26B is positioned at the 90 degrees position. The third discrete ball striking surface 26C is positioned at the 270 degrees position. The fourth discrete ball striking surface 261) is positioned at the 180 degrees position. In second embodiment 200, all of discrete ball striking surfaces 26 are rounded strips which differ in both width and radius of curvature. The physical difference between the rounded strips which changes their degree of difficulty is the width and the radius of curvature. The width of discrete ball striking surfaces 26 and the radius of curvature become progressively smaller as one progresses from the widest 26A to 26B to 26C and then to the narrowest 26D. As the width and radius of curvature is reduced, the degree of difficult increases.

Second Embodiment Operation:

Referring to FIG. 7 through 10, there is illustrated a ball 500 and an arrow 502. Arrow 502 indicates the desired plane of movement of ball 500. Referring to FIG. 7, a user commences use of bat 20 with ball striking portion 24 in a first rotational position which uses first discrete ball striking surface 26A at the 1 degree position. The user demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times ball 500 can be bounced on first discrete ball striking surface 26A using a subtle wrist or arm movement. Referring to FIG. 8, when the user wishes to move to the next level of difficulty, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 is rotated to a second rotational position which uses second discrete ball striking surface 26B at the 90 degree rotational position. The user again demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times ball 500 can be bounced on second discrete ball striking surface 26B using a subtle wrist or arm movement. Referring to FIG. 9, when the user wishes to move to the next level of difficulty, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 is rotated to a third rotational position which uses third discrete ball striking surface 26C at the 180 degree rotational position. The user again demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times ball 500 can be bounced on third discrete ball striking surface 26C using a subtle wrist or arm movement. Referring to FIG. 10, when the user wishes to move to the next level of difficulty, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 is rotated to a fourth rotational position which uses fourth discrete ball striking surface 26D at the 270 degree rotational position. The user again demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times ball 500 can be bounced on fourth discrete ball striking surface 26D using a subtle wrist or arm movement.

Third Embodiment Structure:

Referring to FIG. 11, with third embodiment 300, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 is also round. However, in third embodiment 300 each of discrete ball striking surfaces are positioned on disks, a first disk 302, a second disk 304, and a third disk 306 mounted tangentially to ball striking portion 24. Referring to FIG. 11 through FIG. 13, each of discrete ball striking surfaces 26 are positioned on a different one of the disks. The first discrete ball striking surface 26A is positioned on first disk 302. The second discrete ball striking surface 26B is positioned on second disk 304. A third discrete ball striking surface 26C is positioned on third disk 304. The physical difference disks is their surface area. The surface area of discrete ball striking surfaces 26 become progressively smaller as one progresses from 26A on the largest diameter first disk 302 to 26B on slightly smaller diameter second disk 304 then to 26C on the smallest diameter third disk 306. As the surface area of the disks is reduced, the degree of difficult increases.

Third Embodiment Operation:

Referring to FIG. 11 through 13, a user commences use of bat 20 with ball striking portion 24 in a first rotational position which uses first discrete ball striking surface 26A on first disk 302. The user demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times a ball can be bounced on first discrete ball striking surface 26A using a subtle wrist or arm movement. When the user wishes to move to the next level of difficulty, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 is rotated to a second rotational position in order to use second discrete ball striking surface 26B on second disk 304. The user again demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times a ball can be bounced on second discrete ball striking surface 26B using a subtle wrist or arm movement. When the user wishes to move to the next level of difficulty, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 is rotated to back to the first rotational position in order to use third discrete ball striking surface 26C on third disk 306. The user again demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times a ball can be bounced on third discrete ball striking surface 26C using a subtle wrist or arm movement.

Although disks have been selected for the purpose of illustration (as it is not practical to illustrate every conceivable shape), it will be appreciated that the key aspect is the difference in area and not the shape. Third embodiment would function just as well if a square, rectangular, triangular, or some other multi-sided body were substituted. If will also be appreciated that the surface need not be flat, but could have a curvature to increase the degree of difficulty.

Fourth Embodiment Structure:

Referring to FIG. 14, fourth embodiment 400, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 has a combination of flat sides and rounded sides. For purpose of orientation that sides have been identified as a first side 30, a second side 32, a third side 34 and a fourth side 36. Referring to FIG. 15 through FIG. 18, each of discrete ball striking surfaces 26 are positioned on a different one of the sides. The first discrete ball striking surface 26A is positioned on first side 30. The second discrete ball striking surface 26B is positioned on second side 32. The third discrete ball striking surface 26C is positioned on third side 34. The fourth discrete ball striking surface 26D is positioned on fourth side 36. Discrete ball striking surfaces 26A, 26B and 26C are all flat strips. The physical difference between discrete ball striking surfaces 26A, 26B and 26C is the width of each of the flat strips. Discrete ball striking surface 261) is a rounded surface.

Fourth Embodiment Operation:

Referring to FIG. 15 through 18, there is illustrated a ball 500 and an arrow 502. Arrow 502 indicates the desired plane of movement of ball 500. Referring to FIG. 15, a user commences use of bat 20 with ball striking portion 24 in a first rotational position which uses first discrete ball striking surface 26A on first side 30. The user demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times ball 500 can be bounced on first discrete ball striking surface 26A using a subtle wrist or arm movement. Referring to FIG. 16, when the user wishes to move to the next level of difficulty, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 is rotated to a second rotational position which uses second discrete ball striking surface 26B on second side 32. The user again demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times ball 500 can be bounced on second discrete ball striking surface 26B using a subtle wrist or arm movement. Referring to FIG. 17, when the user wishes to move to the next level of difficulty, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 is rotated to a third rotational position which uses third discrete ball striking surface 26C on third side 34. The user again demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times ball 500 can be bounced on third discrete ball striking surface 26C using a subtle wrist or arm movement. Referring to FIG. 18, when the user wishes to move to the next level of difficulty, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 is rotated to a fourth rotational position which uses fourth discrete ball striking surface 26D is positioned on fourth side 36. The user again demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times ball 500 can be bounced on fourth discrete ball striking surface 261) using a subtle wrist or arm movement.

Fifth Embodiment Structure:

Referring to FIG. 19, Fifth embodiment 600 was developed almost as an afterthought when it was determined that between the ages of 1 to 9 years old, children develop a good portion of their hand-eye coordination. In order to be suitable for use by children, Fifth embodiment 600 requires bigger ball striking surfaces. The reason for the larger ball striking surfaces, is that one wants the children to experience some degree of success. There is no point in having the ball striking surfaces so small and the Fifth embodiment so difficult to use that it merely frustrates and discourages the children.

Referring to FIG. 19 with fifth embodiment 600, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 has only two sides, a first side 30 and a second side 32. A first discrete ball striking surface 26A is positioned on first side 30. A second discrete ball striking surface 26B is positioned on second side 32. In fifth embodiment 600, first discrete ball striking surface 26A is a flat strip and second discrete ball striking surface 26B can be a rounded surface or a narrower flat strip, the latter of which is used for illustration purposes. First discrete ball striking surface 26A is easier to use than second discrete ball striking surface 26B.

Fifth Embodiment Operation

The operation of Fifth Embodiment 600 is the same as with the other embodiments. The user demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times a ball can be bounced on first discrete ball striking surface 26A using a subtle wrist or arm movement. When the user wishes to move to the next level of difficulty, ball striking portion 24 of bat 20 is rotated to a second rotational position which uses second discrete ball striking surface 26B on second side 32. The user again demonstrates his or her skill by the number of consecutive times ball can be bounced on second discrete ball striking surface 26B using a subtle wrist or arm movement.

Sixth Embodiment Structure:

Referring to FIG. 21, sixth embodiment 700 has been chosen for illustration to show an alternative way of incorporating more difficult ball striking surfaces into the design. In accordance with the teaching of sixth embodiment 700, bat 20 has a telescopic extension 702 that slides in and out of remote end 39. Bat 20 has striking surfaces 26A, 26B, 26C and 26D, similar to other figures. However, when telescopic extension 702 is extended it provides four supplemental ball striking surfaces opposed surfaces 26E and 26F opposed surfaces 26G and 26H. Each of opposed pair of supplemental ball striking surfaces 26F and 26F are smaller than 26A, 26B, 26C or 26D. Each of opposed pair of supplemental ball striking surfaces 26G and 26H are even smaller than ball striking surfaces 26E and 26F.

Sixth Embodiment Operation

The operation of sixth embodiment 700 is the same as with the other embodiments. Referring to FIG. 21, when the user wishes to move to a higher level of difficulty with a smaller ball striking surface, telescopic extension 702 is extended so that one of supplemental ball striking surface 26E, 26F, 26G or 26H.

In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.

The scope of the claims should not be limited by the illustrated embodiments set forth as examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with a purposive construction of the claims in view of the description as a whole. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An eye-hand coordination training apparatus, comprising: a bat having a handgrip portion and a ball striking portion, the ball striking portion having at least two discrete ball striking surfaces, each of the discrete ball striking surfaces differing in degree of difficulty from the other discrete ball striking surfaces due to physical differences.
 2. The eye-hand coordination training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the discrete ball striking surfaces are flat strips which differ in width.
 3. The eye-hand coordination training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the discrete ball striking surfaces are rounded strips which differ in both width and radius of curvature.
 4. The eye-hand coordination training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the discrete ball striking surfaces differ in surface area.
 5. The eye-hand coordination training apparatus of claim 4, wherein the discrete ball striking surfaces are rounded and differ in radius of curvature.
 6. The eye-hand coordination training apparatus of claim 4, wherein the discrete ball striking surfaces are disks which differ in diameter.
 7. The eye-hand coordination training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ball striking portion of the bat has at least three sides, and not all of the discrete ball striking surfaces are positioned on the same one of the at least three sides.
 8. The eye-hand coordination training apparatus of claim 7, wherein each of the discrete ball striking surfaces are positioned on a different one of the at least three sides.
 9. The eye-hand coordination training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional dimension of the ball striking portion is round and each of the discrete ball striking surfaces is positioned on a body mounted tangentially the ball striking portion.
 10. The eye-hand coordination apparatus of claim 1, wherein a digital counter is incorporated into the bat, the digital counter having a readout which advances when a ball strikes the ball striking portion of the bat.
 11. The eye-hand coordination apparatus of claim 1, wherein a telescopic extension slides in and out of a remote end of the bat, the telescopic extension defining supplemental ball striking surfaces.
 12. A method of eye-hand coordination training, comprising: providing a bat having a handgrip portion and a ball striking portion, the ball striking portion having at least two discrete ball striking surfaces, each of the discrete ball striking surfaces differing in degree of difficulty from the other discrete ball striking surfaces due to physical differences; holding the bat by the handgrip portion; rotating the bat about a longitudinal axis to select one of the discrete ball striking surfaces providing a desired degree of difficulty; and using the selected one of the discrete ball striking surfaces to strike a ball with a view to propelling the ball vertically in a controlled manner through the use of a subtle wrist or arm movement with an object of determining a number of consecutive times the ball can be struck.
 13. An eye-hand coordination training apparatus, comprising: a bat having a handgrip portion and a ball striking portion, the ball striking portion having only two discrete ball striking surfaces, each of the discrete ball striking surfaces differing in degree of difficulty from the other discrete ball striking surfaces due to physical differences.
 14. A method of eye-hand coordination training, comprising: providing a bat having a handgrip portion and a ball striking portion, the ball striking portion having only two discrete ball striking surfaces, each of the discrete ball striking surfaces differing in degree of difficulty from the other discrete ball striking surfaces due to physical differences; holding the bat by the handgrip portion; rotating the bat about a longitudinal axis to select one of the discrete ball striking surfaces providing a desired degree of difficulty; and using the selected one of the discrete ball striking surfaces to strike a ball with a view to propelling the ball vertically in a controlled manner through the use of a subtle wrist or arm movement with an object of determining a number of consecutive times the ball can be struck.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein a telescopic extension slides in and out of a remote end of the bat, the telescopic extension defining supplemental ball striking surfaces. 